Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2 Update Still Missing

Long ago, Sony promised that it would deliver an Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update to the Sony Xperia Z soon after its arrival on shelves. And while the company has released a version in the Android Open Source Project, known as AOSP, the Android 4.2 update for consumers remains missing.

Back at CES 2013, Sony announced its new flagship Android smartphones, the Sony Xperia Z and the Sony Xperia ZL. At the time, Sony promised that an Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update for the Sony Xperia Z would roll out soon after its release. With the Sony Xperia Z’s arrival in February, and a leak that seemed to point to a release in March, things were looking up for Xperia Z owners. It was only wishful thinking it seems.

Despite announcing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean updates for its older devices, even rolling out a couple of them including the Sony Xperia S Android 4.1 update, Sony has yet to issue any information on the consumer-grade Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update for the Xperia Z. Instead, the update remains missing in action, with information difficult to come by.

One trusted member of the XDA-Developer community claims that the software is in testing which could mean that a release is still in the cards ahead of a possible Android 4.3 update. Unfortunately, there is no physical evidence to back up that claim and without any announcement from Sony, it’s impossible to say when an Android 4.2 update might roll out.

Two Theories

There are two theories swirling around in regards to the missing Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2 update. The first, that Sony is going to skip Android 4.2 and head for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The other, that the upcoming U.S. variant of the Xperia Z, possibly on T-Mobile, will feature Android 4.2 and will usher in the updates for other users.

@anthonylawson79 Sorry, we don’t have confirmation on that just yet – Aimee.

Sony has thus far refused to confirm either scenario which leaves them in the theory realm. The company is even telling Xperia Z owners on Twitter that it still has no information in regards to the update.

However, given, that the HTC One is going to be getting Android 4.2 soon and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is already on Android 4.2, Sony’s Xperia Z will need all of the fire power it can get when it arrives in the United States so it could be that we’re getting close.

The Sony Xperia Z is coming to the U.S. soon. Will it do so with Android 4.2?

At this point, the only Android 4.2 update for the Sony Xperia Z is the one found in the AOSP, an update meant for developers and one that we’ve heard is riddled with issues.

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So in the meantime, Sony Xperia Z owners are simply going to have to make do with the many firmware updates that Sony has rolled out in an attempt to improve the device.

The phone had such potential! Supposed to be rugged but it isn’t – mine has cracked from just daily use. Supposed to be cutting edge but running outdated software. Shame. I installed Cyanogenmod on mine and it’s much better than stock but not stopping me from getting rid of it after just 2 months in exchange for an S4. Will be my last Sony phone.